Great Expectations: Expect Peace

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Expectation #2: Peace
Pastor Aaron Sutherland  

ADVENT SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope."

I. WE CAN EXPECT GOD’S PEACE AMIDST CONFLICT
Luke 2:1-5 "In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant."

II. WE CAN EXPECT GOD’S PEACE AMIDST CRISES
Luke 2:6  "While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby."
 

III. WE CAN  EXPECT GOD’S PEACE AMIDST CALAMITY
Luke 2:7 "She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom."
 

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION

1. How have you seen God’s peace impact a circumstance filled with conflict?
2. Have you ever asked Jesus for peace that exceeeded understanding? What was the outcome?
3. What has helped you to receive the peace of Jesus amidst circumstances that want to take peace from you?